"Project Cerberus"

[RageAgainstTheSurge]

I call it "Project Cerberus" on account for it having three monitors. It sits on a wedge L-desk (there's a 45 degree part in the center. with two sides.  I wanted to take advantage of the many windows in the room. (There are mini blinds, so the sun shouldn't be a problem.)

I am building the ultimate workstation.

While primarily used for work, this much power should have a chance to do gaming, software defined radio (I've been looking forward to tapping into a few government weather satellites to download NOAA GOES data), and some live streaming and media production.

Any suggestions?  I'd like to build it this month.

 

Budget (including currency): $7000 USD, but definitely might be a lot less.

Country: United States

Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for:  Work (WFH, computer programming), but also some Steam gaming, Software Defined Radio, Video production and streaming 

Other details : 

Stuff I already have

• 🖥🖥🖥 Three (3) Dell SE2722HX 27 inch FHD 1920x1080, 🖊🖥 Huion 16 Graphics Tablet 2021
•  Logitech G560 PC Gaming Speaker System with 7.1 DTS:X Ultra Surround Sound, Game based LIGHTSYNC RGB
• ⌨ SteelSeries Apex 7 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (Needs 2 USBs)
• 🖱 SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gaming Mouse (2.8GHz and Bluetooth)
• Other stuff: 
  • Black Shark RGB Gaming Mouse Pad 35.4" ×15.75" x 0.15" Large Extended XL Mousepad with Smooth Surface and 11 Lighting Effects, Desk Pad with Anti-Fray Stitched Edges and Non-Slip Rubber Base, Manta P7
  • Logitech C920S HD Pro Webcam (x2)
  • Brother MFC-J4535DWA INKvestment Tank All-in-One Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
  • Elgato Stream Deck XL
  • SteelSeries Stratus XL, Bluetooth Wireless Gaming Controller
  • CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD Intelligent LCD UPS System, 1500VA/900W, 12 Outlets, AVR, Mini-Tower

Stuff I'm looking for

• EATX Build (I got room under my desk (28" clearance) for it and on top of my desk.
• Unsure which CPU to get. If Intel, Alder Lake but no K series. (I don't plan on overclocking.)  Open to AMD if that's better.
• Unsure which GPU to get, likely will need more than one since I have up to 4 screens available.
• Storage might be SSD. 500GB or more. 1TB or more would be better. Might do NAS later.
• Memory: 16GB minimum, can be more. (I have a bad habit of leaving tabs open in Chrome...like 2000+. Seriously, I have a problem!)
• Let's put some RGB LED on it since Keyboard and Speakers are lit.
• OS: Preferably Arch Linux or Windows 10. (I'll install 11 over my cold dead body!) Might have to go with Windows.

 

[emosun]

Can you outline what the budget is for the actual computer vs all the accessories you've already decided on?

[BiotechBen]

Having daily driven W11 for about a month now, it basically comes out as W10 with a few workflow improvements and a face-lift. It's a very minor UI change, and it does have one or two annoying bugs for specific things that I've come across, but not serious enough that I still even remember what they were.

[Bianks84]

8 minutes ago, RageAgainstTheSurge said:

 

• Unsure which GPU to get, likely will need more than one since I have up to 4 screens available.
• Storage might be SSD. 500GB or more. 1TB or more would be better. Might do NAS later.
• Memory: 16GB minimum, can be more. (I have a bad habit of leaving tabs open in Chrome...like 2000+. Seriously, I have a problem!)
• OS: Preferably Arch Linux or Windows 10. (I'll install 11 over my cold dead body!) Might have to go with Windows.

 

• Shouldn't need too crazy of a GPU unless you plan on treating all three of the 27" monitors as one single display for a total resolution of 5760 x 1080 in games.
• Storage SHOULD BE one or multiple SSDs at this price point.
• 16GB is the sweet spot for just gaming. Video editing and media production can use way more than that though. Go with a dual-channel 32GB kit if you aren't sure how much you need, then if you get a motherboard with 4 DIMM slots you can add another kit if needed.
• Just a note about OS: If you go with Alder Lake W11 is better, if only marginally. The W10 scheduler doesn't really handle the E-cores well from what I've heard.

 

It seems you have already spent a lot of the budget on peripherals already so it will be more helpful to update your budget with just what you need.

 

 

[RageAgainstTheSurge]

14 minutes ago, emosun said:

Can you outline what the budget is for the actual computer vs all the accessories you've already decided on?

I though I did. It's been a while since I did a desktop build.

[Bianks84]

1 minute ago, RageAgainstTheSurge said:

I though I did. It's been a while since I did a desktop build.

We're a bit confused as to whether you're including the stuff you say you already have in the total budget of $7000.

@emosun Correct me if I'm wrong.

[emosun]

4 minutes ago, RageAgainstTheSurge said:

I though I did. It's been a while since I did a desktop build.

I did not notice the list was things you already had. my bad.

If you want I could just recommend the build I did this year which I can at least vouch for as working quite well. It was 6600$ but should be cheaper now that prices have gone down since january.

[RageAgainstTheSurge]

2 minutes ago, Bianks84 said:

It seems you have already spent a lot of the budget on peripherals already so it will be more helpful to update your budget with just what you need.

I don't really consider peripherals part of the budget, especially since most of them could be used with other devices in the future.

 

3 minutes ago, Bianks84 said:

Shouldn't need too crazy of a GPU unless you plan on treating all three of the 27" monitors as one single display for a total resolution of 5760 x 1080 in games

Main screen might be used for gaming and main work. Side screens definitely used for other screens. (Social media, for example.) While I have plenty of money squirreled away, my budget is primarily focused the computer. 

[RageAgainstTheSurge]

3 minutes ago, Bianks84 said:

We're a bit confused as to whether you're including the stuff you say you already have in the total budget of $7000.

@emosun Correct me if I'm wrong.

I'm saying I already have the other items, and that I have about $7000 available. I don't really expect to use it all. But if worst comes to worse, that's what's available.

[RageAgainstTheSurge]

4 minutes ago, emosun said:

I did not notice the list was things you already had. my bad.

If you want I could just recommend the build I did this year which I can at least vouch for as working quite well. It was 6600$ but should be cheaper now that prices have gone down since january.

Sure, what did you have in mind?

[Bianks84]

Just now, RageAgainstTheSurge said:

I'm saying I already have the other items, and that I have about $7000 available. I don't really expect to use it all. But if worst comes to worse, that's what's available.

Yeah no worries that's my bad. All clear on that now .

 

4 minutes ago, RageAgainstTheSurge said:

Main screen might be used for gaming and main work. Side screens definitely used for other screens. (Social media, for example.) While I have plenty of money squirreled away, my budget is primarily focused the computer. 

You definitely won't need a high-end GPU just for the amount of displays, however, depending on the programs being used for media production you may benefit from one. Difficult to know for sure unless we know the exact programs being used.

 

Just considering gaming at 1080p (@144Hz?) I think you could get away with a 3060 or even a 6600 / 6600 XT.

Like I said though, I'm not sure what other programs you're using.

[Bianks84]

34 minutes ago, RageAgainstTheSurge said:

 

• Unsure which CPU to get. If Intel, Alder Lake but no K series. (I don't plan on overclocking.)  Open to AMD if that's better.

 

Just something to note: that you'd be able to run one or maybe two displays from the integrated graphics on Intel chips to potentially take a small amount of load off the dedicated GPU, whichever one you decide to go with.

[RageAgainstTheSurge]

1 minute ago, Bianks84 said:

1080p (@144Hz?)

The monitors have a frequency of 75Hz, IIRC. Unless there's something different about these.

[Bianks84]

1 minute ago, RageAgainstTheSurge said:

The monitors have a frequency of 75Hz, IIRC. Unless there's something different about these.

No worries, in that case you don't need as much graphics power to push more FPS.

[RageAgainstTheSurge]

Just now, Bianks84 said:

Just something to note: that you'd be able to run one or maybe two displays from the integrated graphics on Intel chips to potentially take a small amount of load off the dedicated GPU, whichever one you decide to go with.

I definitely want to do dedicated graphics.

 

I've always wanted to fiddle around with CAD, Blender, and stuff with 3D content. (Not VR, but definitely something that requires a few more horses to pull the wagon, if you know what I mean.)

[emosun]

16 minutes ago, RageAgainstTheSurge said:

Sure, what did you have in mind?

These are the core components , they seem to all work well out of the box. you can change around stuff as needed but this is what I went with and can at least vouch that it works

threadripper pro 3975wx
asus pro ws wrx80e-sage se wifi
kingston KSM32RD8/32MER

power color red dragon 6800xt

m.2 980 pro 1tb

 

[Bianks84]

2 minutes ago, RageAgainstTheSurge said:

I definitely want to do dedicated graphics.

Absolutely, I meant whichever dedicated GPU you decide to go with.

3 minutes ago, RageAgainstTheSurge said:

I've always wanted to fiddle around with CAD, Blender, and stuff with 3D content. (Not VR, but definitely something that requires a few more horses to pull the wagon, if you know what I mean.)

I totally get that and like to overspec a bit myself. I use some 3D programs a lot but not with animation really. I use SolidWorks and MasterCAM so more on the manufacturing and CAD side of things.

They definitely benefit from a bit more graphics power but they are both running fine for me with a Radeon 5600XT.

Though I do think getting a CPU with better IPC will help my performance in MasterCAM, as I'm currently using 3rd gen Ryzen (3800XT).

Again though, I'm not too familiar with how Blender and other animation software scales with better hardware.

[DEADPOOLSMOM]

51 minutes ago, RageAgainstTheSurge said:

I call it "Project Cerberus" on account for it having three monitors. It sits on a wedge L-desk (there's a 45 degree part in the center. with two sides.  I wanted to take advantage of the many windows in the room. (There are mini blinds, so the sun shouldn't be a problem.)

I am building the ultimate workstation.

While primarily used for work, this much power should have a chance to do gaming, software defined radio (I've been looking forward to tapping into a few government weather satellites to download NOAA GOES data), and some live streaming and media production.

Any suggestions?  I'd like to build it this month.

 

Budget (including currency): $7000 USD, but definitely might be a lot less.

Country: United States

Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for:  Work (WFH, computer programming), but also some Steam gaming, Software Defined Radio, Video production and streaming 

Other details : 

Stuff I already have

• 🖥🖥🖥 Three (3) Dell SE2722HX 27 inch FHD 1920x1080, 🖊🖥 Huion 16 Graphics Tablet 2021
•  Logitech G560 PC Gaming Speaker System with 7.1 DTS:X Ultra Surround Sound, Game based LIGHTSYNC RGB
• ⌨ SteelSeries Apex 7 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (Needs 2 USBs)
• 🖱 SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gaming Mouse (2.8GHz and Bluetooth)
• Other stuff: 
  • Black Shark RGB Gaming Mouse Pad 35.4" ×15.75" x 0.15" Large Extended XL Mousepad with Smooth Surface and 11 Lighting Effects, Desk Pad with Anti-Fray Stitched Edges and Non-Slip Rubber Base, Manta P7
  • Logitech C920S HD Pro Webcam (x2)
  • Brother MFC-J4535DWA INKvestment Tank All-in-One Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
  • Elgato Stream Deck XL
  • SteelSeries Stratus XL, Bluetooth Wireless Gaming Controller
  • CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD Intelligent LCD UPS System, 1500VA/900W, 12 Outlets, AVR, Mini-Tower

Stuff I'm looking for

• EATX Build (I got room under my desk (28" clearance) for it and on top of my desk.
• Unsure which CPU to get. If Intel, Alder Lake but no K series. (I don't plan on overclocking.)  Open to AMD if that's better.
• Unsure which GPU to get, likely will need more than one since I have up to 4 screens available.
• Storage might be SSD. 500GB or more. 1TB or more would be better. Might do NAS later.
• Memory: 16GB minimum, can be more. (I have a bad habit of leaving tabs open in Chrome...like 2000+. Seriously, I have a problem!)
• Let's put some RGB LED on it since Keyboard and Speakers are lit.
• OS: Preferably Arch Linux or Windows 10. (I'll install 11 over my cold dead body!) Might have to go with Windows.

 

Doesn't make sense to do a build like this right now. I would wait a few months for Zen 4/Nvidia ADA Lovelace 

[RageAgainstTheSurge]

20 hours ago, CHICKSLAYA said:

Doesn't make sense to do a build like this right now. I would wait a few months for Zen 4/Nvidia ADA Lovelace 

Ideally, I would like to work with stable hardware at the moment rather than bleeding edge. It's better to work with something where the bugs are already worked out.

[RageAgainstTheSurge]

So, dumb stupid me I went all in on HDMI for my monitors unaware as to how much everyone likes Display Port.

 

The good news is that there are HDMI-to-DP adapters. (Recommendations for which ones to pick up would be much obliged.)

 

Not sure if an Nvidia RTX 3090 Ti would be ideal for this build if all three monitors have a refresh rate of 75 Hz, but it would be idea to swap out for better monitors when the budget permits it. Not sure what my drawing tablet has, but it would go in that fourth slot that is HDMI.

 

Right now, I just REALLY want to get this build done.

 

My short attention span just can't watch the two hour video, and my patience to wait for "Zen 4" is also not available (nor listed as an option on PC Part Picker) as I want to get this project done before August and would like to build a second, smaller build for the living room for a TCL 65" 6-series TV which I've owned for a few months and want to fix the delay it has, but that's for another post.

 

Right now, I just want to finish this build.

 

This is definitely going to be an AMD build as I'd like to stop buying a new mobo every time Intel releases a new generation of their products. (It's time CPU sockets lasted more than two generations.)

 

The conflict between deciding on DDR4 and DDR5 is only exasperated by DDR5 not being better than DDR4 in terms of latency, reliability, and availability, and the newer chipsets still wanting to move ahead with DDR5 with no DDR4 backward compatibility. (Correct me if I'm wrong about that sentence.

 

PCIe 5 support isn't as worrisome. Everywhere seems to say "you don't need to upgrade to PCIe 5 if you have PCIe 4", but I don't have any mobo right now, and once again if I can future-proof it as much as possible, then I want to do it.

 

While the top part to pic first is the Graphics Card in terms of cost, I typically start by picking the CPU first then the GPU out of force of habit. I do this for two reasons: First, to filter out the chips that have integrated graphics (no point of looking for that if I want a build with dedicated graphics); Second, to filter out the expensive CPUs (as much as I would love to spend $7000 on some insane Threadripper, I'd much rather spend $700 or less on something that lasts longer.) Also there seems to be plenty of affordable CPUs with 8, 12, and 16 cores. The rule with AMDs appears to be for every core, get twice as many threads.  Also, 240W is way too much power to run 8 cores.  It's like using a CFL bulb when LED bulbs are much more efficient.  There's Ryzen 7 series CPUs with 8 cores sipping 65W, and there's Ryzen 9 series with 16 cores that soak up 105W but a couple of Threadrippers with 16 cores chugging 180W.

 

I definitely want to look at 16 core systems but Threadripper prices appear strangely in the extremes interms of prices (1950X near $297.72 while 2950X at $979.99), so Ryzen 9 5950X seems to by my pick for CPU.  It also appears to be the only Zen 3 chip, it might not have the future features like DDR5 and PCIe 5 support, but for $539.99, the price is realistic and the performance that is spoken about it appears to be phenomenal.

 

So that helps narrow down some parts. I think I'm ready to start picking the other parts.

[RageAgainstTheSurge]

Turns out my pick for CPU has helped narrow down some choices for memory.  Ryzen 9 series supports DDR4-3200 dual channel. Just need to find a good CAS Latency (CL number) for that.

There is one problem. There doesn't appear to be any X570 motherboards that support memory with ECC capability. Could this be a problem or should I look at an alternate build?

[RageAgainstTheSurge]

OK, so I've ordered most of these parts in this list (namely the internal stuff, not including RGB stuff and PSU).

I got a lot of crap from the Discord server about some of my decisions...namely from people way younger than I am. (I'm too young to be "old"! Also, kind of a red flag.)

 

So here's the PC Parts picker list.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/4dbPQ6

 

If you're here to crit my CPU, GPU, MOBO, and CPU cooling decisions: I REGRET NOTHING!

 

Let me have that "buyer's remorse".  I wanted to buy this stuff now so that later when I build the better machine I can actually say that "I was an idiot."

 

I'd rather know what I did wrong than feel like an egomaniac for getting it right the first time.

[scii]

1 hour ago, RageAgainstTheSurge said:

OK, so I've ordered most of these parts in this list (namely the internal stuff, not including RGB stuff and PSU).

I got a lot of crap from the Discord server about some of my decisions...namely from people way younger than I am. (I'm too young to be "old"! Also, kind of a red flag.)

 

So here's the PC Parts picker list.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/4dbPQ6

 

If you're here to crit my CPU, GPU, MOBO, and CPU cooling decisions: I REGRET NOTHING!

 

Let me have that "buyer's remorse".  I wanted to buy this stuff now so that later when I build the better machine I can actually say that "I was an idiot."

 

I'd rather know what I did wrong than feel like an egomaniac for getting it right the first time.

if you are accepting suggestions for an addition, your motherboard has one extra slot for an M.2 SSD. the tasks you have listed all use a lot of storage space. for example, videos you are working on in video editors, or 3d projects. Some games also take up hundreds of gigabytes these days. So, I would advise you to add another Samsung 980 SSD, either 1TB or 2TB to your build to prepare yourself for that.

[RageAgainstTheSurge]

36 minutes ago, scii said:

if you are accepting suggestions for an addition, your motherboard has one extra slot for an M.2 SSD. the tasks you have listed all use a lot of storage space. for example, videos you are working on in video editors, or 3d projects. Some games also take up hundreds of gigabytes these days. So, I would advise you to add another Samsung 980 SSD, either 1TB or 2TB to your build to prepare yourself for that.

I'll add it when I need it.  The last time I bought I 1TB drive, I didn't fill it up with a whole lot of stuff.

Another idea I've been thinking about is possibly a dual boot where one drive is Linux/SteamOS and the other is Windows.  Unless there's some way I can do BIOS and RGB/Fan stuff in Linux as well as bench tests in Linux.

[RageAgainstTheSurge]

The final machine set up.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/3NKrRv

 

It's not everything I want, but it is more than enough for what I want to do with it.

 

I also switched to an AIO after the sticker on the 5950X said "Liquid Cooling Recommended" and after getting nagged by everyone to do AIO, I decided to do it, but on my terms.

Almost all the RGB components (save for the RAM and GPU) are Corsair as is the case and the PSU.  PCPP said I was around 643W of power, but I just went with an 850W power supply in case I missed something.

I'm probably going to have to sell some other things I bought on eBay later, not because I spent a lot of money on this build but because some things like the monitors I have with a 75Hz refresh rate for my home office were short sighted considering the specs I have for graphics. (I might want to upgrade to something in triple digits.)

At any rate, I'm done for the day.  One part doesn't show up until August 5th. Take a guess as which one it is.